Saudi Arabia Frozen Fish and Sea Food Market Overview, 2024-29

The fish and seafood market in Saudi Arabia reflects the country's rich coastal heritage and the growing demand for high-quality seafood among its population. With a coastline stretching over 2,500 kilometers along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia boasts abundant marine resources that contribute significantly to its culinary traditions and economy. The market is characterized by a diverse array of fresh and frozen seafood offerings, ranging from local favorites like hammour, shrimp, and lobster to imported delicacies such as salmon, tuna, and crab. Traditional fish markets, known as "souqs," remain popular hubs for purchasing fresh catch, where buyers can engage in lively bargaining and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, modern supermarkets and hypermarkets across the kingdom offer a wide selection of packaged and processed seafood products to cater to diverse consumer preferences. The growing demand for seafood in Saudi Arabia is driven not only by its cultural significance but also by changing dietary habits, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing awareness of the health benefits associated with seafood consumption. This has led to a thriving market supported by a network of traditional souqs, modern supermarkets, and online platforms, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of consumers across the kingdom. The increasing focus on food safety and quality standards has led to the implementation of stringent regulations and inspection measures to ensure that seafood sold in the market meets the highest standards of freshness and hygiene. Moreover, the rise of online platforms and home delivery services has made it more convenient for consumers to access a variety of seafood products from the comfort of their homes, contributing to the market's continued growth and accessibility.

According to the research report "Saudi Arabia Frozen Fish & Sea Food Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Frozen Fish & Sea Food market is anticipated to grow at more than 4.00% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The fish and seafood industry in Saudi Arabia is a dynamic sector shaped by a combination of traditional practices and modern advancements. Despite its extensive coastline, the kingdom's seafood production has historically been overshadowed by its oil-centric economy. However, in recent years, there has been a concerted effort to develop the aquaculture sector as part of broader economic diversification initiatives. Aquaculture projects are being established along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, harnessing advanced technologies to cultivate various species of fish and shellfish. This strategic focus on aquaculture aims to enhance food security, create employment opportunities, and reduce reliance on imports. Interestingly, while Saudi Arabia has traditionally relied heavily on imported seafood to meet domestic demand, there is a growing emphasis on promoting local production and sustainability. This shift is driven by factors such as concerns over food security, rising global seafood prices, and the desire to capitalize on the kingdom's natural resources. As a result, there has been increasing investment in aquaculture research and development, as well as initiatives to support local fishermen and seafood farmers. In terms of demand, seafood holds a prominent place in Saudi cuisine and culture, with consumption patterns influenced by cultural traditions, religious practices, and dietary preferences. Fish such as hammour (grouper), sherri (tilapia), and safi (rabbitfish) are highly prized and feature prominently in traditional dishes like sayadiyah and samak mashwi. Additionally, the kingdom's diverse expatriate population contributes to a demand for a wide variety of seafood products, including imported species like salmon, shrimp, and crab.
The fish and seafood market industry comprises a diverse range of product types, each catering to specific consumer preferences and culinary needs. Fish is the most broadly consumed category, encompassing a variety of species such as salmon, tuna, cod, and tilapia, which are valued for their nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking. Shrimp is another highly popular seafood product, known for its sweet flavor and adaptability in numerous dishes, from appetizers to main courses. It is widely available in different forms, including fresh, frozen, peeled, and unpeeled. Other seafood products encompass a broad spectrum of marine life, including mollusks (like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops), crustaceans (like crabs and lobsters), and cephalopods (like squid and octopus). These products are often sought after for their unique textures and flavors, which add variety to culinary offerings. Additionally, there are specialty products like caviar, sea urchin, and seaweed, which cater to gourmet markets and are often considered delicacies. Each of these product types contributes to the richness of the seafood industry, meeting diverse consumer demands and supporting a wide array of culinary traditions across the globe.

Canned seafood is a staple in many households due to its convenience and long shelf life. The canning process involves cooking seafood at high temperatures and sealing it in airtight containers, which prevents spoilage without the need for refrigeration. Popular canned products include tuna, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. Frozen seafood undergoes rapid freezing soon after harvest to lock in freshness, texture, and nutrients. This method is highly effective in preserving the quality of seafood for extended periods, often up to several months. Frozen products range from whole fish and fillets to shrimp and other shellfish. The versatility of frozen seafood allows consumers to enjoy a wide variety of species year-round, regardless of seasonal availability. Chilled seafood refers to fresh products that are stored at low, non-freezing temperatures, usually just above 0°C (32°F). This category includes fresh fillets, whole fish, shellfish, and sushi-grade seafood. Chilled seafood maintains its natural texture and flavor but has a shorter shelf life compared to canned or frozen options. It requires careful handling and prompt consumption to ensure safety and quality, making it a favorite for consumers seeking the freshest possible taste. Processed seafood encompasses a broad range of products that have undergone additional preparation methods to enhance flavor, shelf life, or convenience. This category includes smoked, cured, marinated, and breaded items. Examples include smoked salmon, surimi (imitation crab), fish sticks, and ready-to-eat seafood meals. Processing can add value by creating new flavors and textures, making seafood more accessible and appealing to different markets.

The sales channels in the fish and seafood market industry encompass various methods through which products reach consumers, each catering to different segments and preferences. Major fish auctions, often held at coastal markets, are pivotal in setting market prices and ensuring fresh seafood reaches various regions. Traditional sales channels include wholesale markets and fish auctions, where large quantities are traded, often directly from fishermen to retailers or processors. Retail channels, such as supermarkets and specialty seafood stores, provide consumers with access to fresh, frozen, and processed seafood products. Specialty seafood stores provide high-quality, often locally-sourced products, and cater to consumers seeking specific types of seafood or higher-end products. Online sales channels have seen significant growth, driven by the convenience of home delivery and the ability to offer a wider variety of products. E-commerce platforms and dedicated seafood delivery services provide consumers with fresh and frozen options, often with detailed information on sourcing and sustainability. Additionally, the foodservice channel, including restaurants and catering services, plays a crucial role in distributing high-quality and often premium seafood products. Direct-to-consumer sales, such as community-supported fisheries (CSFs) and farm-to-table models, are also becoming popular, offering traceability and a closer connection between consumers and producers. Many regions are significant exporters of fish and seafood, supplying international markets. Export channels are crucial for countries with large fishing and aquaculture industries, connecting them to global consumers and international foodservice markets.

Major companies in the market
Cargill Incorporation, Nomad foods, Hormel food, Rich Product Corporation, Al Kabeer group



Considered for the report:
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecasted year: 2029


Aspects covered in this report
• Frozen Fish & seafood Products with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various divers and challenges
• Ongoing trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
By Product
• Fish
• Shrimp
• Others
By Form
• Canned
• Chilled
• Frozen
• Processed

By Distribution Channel
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started, verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Fish & Seafood products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.